Hello, Kevin......welcome to crappie.com and the LA board. Can't help you too much on the best lake since I'm from N.LA, but as a general rule I go by the temperature. Look for the males to start stageing in at around 65 +/- degrees, maybe even a bit warmer. You can usually determine the spawning depth fairly accurately by lowering a white lure untill it disappears from sight. At the point it disappears, say 4 or 5 ft., then find that depth with some cover (brush, stumps, structure, etc.). The clearer the water, usually the deeper they will spawn, stained or muddy water the opposite. As for the general location, find a flat close to deeper water with the structure mentioned above at the depth they should spawn. That's a good starting place if you have never fished the lake. If the water temp rises and still no action, ease out to the first drop-off and give 'em a try. Weather is very important, if a cold front hits, again look deeper but close. Some of the guys in your area will be of help too, and may even have fished your lake of choice. Right now, they're probably cleaning their fish, maybe even frying them up. :D Best of luck, Kevin, you'll be getting some local help soon. Man, I can almost smell that hot oil cookin'!Originally Posted by kjsmith97